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The Great War (1914-1918) Forum

James and Thomas Cochrane


Maggie1904

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I need help to find information on two brothers who were POWs in the first world war . Private James Cochrane of 1st Gordon Highlanders is believed to have been in the camp at Cotbus, Germany. In a newpaper report it was said that Private Thomas Cochrane of 2nd Royal Scots was a POW but no other details. Can anyone hep?

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There is one obvious candidate for Thomas Cochrane in the Medal Index Cards (two other Thomas Cochranes served in the Royal Scots but they transferred to other units later in the war). He is 11404 Thomas Cochrane, 2nd Royal Scots, embarked to France on 11-8-1914. His Medal Index Card (MIC) has a notation of P of W (prisoner of War) on it.

He appears on a list of men reported missing in the Times of 9-10-1914. This would mean that it is likely that he was captured on 26 August 1914 at Le Cateau.

There are several possible candidates for James Cochrane in the Gordon Highlanders.

Steve.

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Hello Maggie,

I don't know how much information you already have, but here's what I have. 6701 Pte James Cochrane was captured on 26/8/1914 along with most of the 1st Battalion. He was repatriated (haven't found out when yet) but was discharged from the army 16/11/1917 at age 41. So presumably he was released from prison due to ill health or possibly even his age. He enlisted on 21/3/1899. He served with the 1st Gordons in the Boer War. His address post war was 24 High St Prestonpans. In the Scotsman of 24/10/1914 is the report: "...reported missing since the retreat from Mons has written to his wife at Prestonpans this week that he is a POW at Doeberitz, Germany and has been wounded but getting on pretty well."

11404 Thomas Cochrane was captured around the same time during the retreat from Mons. If this is the right person, his address was given as Church St Hamilton. I don't know much about the Royal Scots I'm afraid but someone is bound to know about when he was likely to be captured.

I did notice that someone on this Forum has a list of all the people repatriated through Holland. It might be worth checking to see if James is on that list.

I'll keep checking to see if I have anything else about James.

Cheers

Carolyn

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Thank you to those who replied to my query. The men you note do appear to be my relatives. I had some but not all of the information you give. This additional information will be most helpful. Five brothers fought in the war. The youngest Alexander, died 22 July 1915 at Ypres and because of this his records have been easy to trace. I found the death records for all of the others but would like to know more about their time in the army.

Thanks again

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  • 2 years later...

Ive inherited a small war album from my Great Grandfather Robert Baird 1 / 7th Royal Scots, 156 Brigade, 52nd Division (300812). Some images are of James Cochrane. He was my Grandfathers mate.This could be same as you are looking for? There is also a photo of a Highlander which could be his wedding photo? Its either a Cameron or Gordon Highlander? My Grandfather was in the Signallers Unit. They may have met this way. The images are here: royalscots.smugmug.com

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